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Contact lenses, also known as contacts, are thin lenses placed directly on eye surface. These contact lenses are ocular prosthetic devices used by more than 150 million people across the globe. People use them to correct vision, therapeutic or cosmetic reasons. These lenses are delicate and demand special care during and after use. To keep lenses safe, there are exceptional contact lens cases available to store the contacts. 

With millions of lens wearers worldwide, almost all types of lens wear modalities demand contact lens holders for overnight storage and disinfection. However, at times the contact lens storage case itself can be contaminated by certain pathogenic microorganisms. Contact lens storage case contamination is common in lens users. It is responsible for causing 30% to 85% of the eye infections. Unfortunately, most of the lens users do not know how to take care of their lenses and cases to ensure eyes safety.  

Mistakes you are making with your contact lens holders 

When the contact lens merges and is a part of your eye with time, the contact lens case is another important part of the operation. However, it is also the most overlooked matter. The carelessness includes everything from using the expired case to not cleaning it properly before and after each wash. If you are a contact user, you should know that proper use of everything related to your lenses – including the lens holder – is important for good eye health. Elongated use of lens already put you at the risk of issues like dry eyes, pain, or burning and more. But when it comes to lens holder, there are mistakes that you can avoid and ensure the safety of your eyes. 

Not washing your hands 

The most common mistake is that the user does not wash their hands before touching the lens case.  It is important to keep everything clean in direct or indirect contact with your eyes and lens. It starts with washing your hands with soap and water before handling the contact lens case. With dirty hands, you can deposit many microorganisms from hands onto the lens holder. It will make it easier for the pathogens to get in your eyes and cause infection or irritation. Dirty hands can also lead to allergic inflammations, redness, gritty sensation, tearing, itching, or a certain type of discharge from eyes.  

Not washing the case 

Whether you are handling the contact lens travel case or dealing with the one you use at home, cleaning the case is important. However, most of the users do not wash the case after each use, or at all. As you leave the case on your dressing, it will gather a considerable amount of unidentifiable gunk, lint, etc. With that, the bacteria can quickly get in there and grow. If you are not cleaning your case regularly, you can reintroduce the bacteria back into your contact when you put them in the case at night. You can avoid this mistake by washing the case before and after each use. 

Using expired cases 

Not only the lens, but the case or lens holder will also expire in a few months. So, it would help if you changed the case every three months or as often as possible. This replacement is essential even if the current one looks perfectly fine and clean. With time the bacteria and other microorganisms can produce biofilm substances in the edges and inside the case. They will help the bacteria hide from the disinfectant in the contact lens solution. This can be bad news for your eyes. But you can avoid the problem by replacing the case every three months. Meanwhile, during these three months, you should take proper care and follow cleaning instructions carefully before and after each session.  

Topping off old solution 

It is common for most lens users to top off the old solution instead of squirting in new liquid during each use. When it is full of liquid, the case will get warm and make an environment for bacteria, fungus, and many other microorganisms to thrive. And by adding more solution, you will push them deep down. They will later gloom onto the contact lenses. Instead of creating such an environment, you should get rid of all the old solutions. Always empty the case, wash it properly and add a new solution to store the lenses.